Do you wish your CK2510 had a three range HST?

[Deepdrop]

I'm close to buying my first tractor and I really like the Kioti CK2510. The other tractor I'm considering is the Kubota B2601. There is a lot I like about the Kioti and it's also less expensive, but I'm wondering about the two range HST. I have never owned a tractor before, so I really don't know whether the two range tranny on the CK2510 would be an issue for me.
I'm planning to do a lot of brush removal, move some rocks around, dirt/gravel, snow, etc. My property is only 3 acres but it's quite hilly.

I know that the CK2610 has a three speed, but it's just too big for some of the narrow places I have to maneuver in.

I don't want to find out that I needed a three range tranny when it's too late. I'd love to hear from some of you who own or owned CK2510's. Thanks.

 

[rademamj1]

I don't own a CK2510, however I really don't think you will see any problems with a 2-range HST handling steep slopes or high grades. I just purchased a Kubota GR2120, with the 21 HP diesel, which has a one range HST, and it handles the 28 degree slopes on my property very well. Kubota uses the 1-range HST as a selling point for owners needing to mow steep hills and slopes. In fact the third range your actually missing is the high speed range typically used for faster travel on level roads and fields. Most don't use that range anyway.

My Kioti CK4010 is a 3-range HST and to be honest, I rarely use the higher speed 3rd range. About 99.5% of my time is spent in the lower two ranges. For loader work, mowing, chipping and stump grinding and all my box blade work is in the 1st and 2nd ranges.

Have you also looked at the upgraded CX2510 tractor series.

 

[Slackdaddy]

I have a CK20S,,, on 20 acres wood land with hills and yes, I wish it had a middle range. low is to low for general moving around, and high does not have the power to go up any inclines or dig the FEL into a pile of loose dirt/gravel. I am constantly switching between the 2 with working, basically like a manual trans that is realy hard to change gears.
I do love my CK20,, but the 2 speed trans is it's only short fall.

 

[Summerlin]

Every CK model is amazingly maneuverable, even the frame size of the 2610

I can’t imagine the 2610 being too large and unable to access an area where the 2510 could. It isn’t that much larger.

 

[justman777]

I owned a JD 2305 before my current tractor and found the 2 range HST too slow at times. The high range wasn't really high enough for transport and too high for doing any real work, and the low range was too low for moving around the property. I would typically keep it in high when cutting grass, and low when doing bucket work. I think you'll get used to it, no problem. That's especially true if you've never owned a tractor before.

 

[Slackdaddy]

The CK20S does amazing,, the 2 speeds is it's only short coming.
I paid 11,500 New with loaded tires, FEL, bucket, pallet forks, welded on bucket hooks,, the CK30 was a good 3K more at the time, so went with the CK20

Every CK model is amazingly maneuverable, even the frame size of the 2610

I can’t imagine the 2610 being too large and unable to access an area where the 2510 could. It isn’t that much larger.

 

[Blackcatstrat]

I'm with the others on this, yes having a three range trans would be nice. Its the only thing I don't like about my 2510.
I was able to fix mine though....
Sold it and bought a 2610

Jer

 

[Deepdrop]

Thank you all for your replies. The 2610 is 66" at its widest and the 2510 is 52", according to the dealer. I have a narrow space between two boulders, which is the only way to get from my front yard to my back yard. But...I'm thinking I can move one of the boulders with a 2610, and then it would fit, and I would have a 3 speed tractor.
So that's likely the way I'll go. Enough people have told me that they wish they had 3 speeds, that I'm going to go that route. I'm sure I could survive with 2 speeds, but as a noobie, I can't base this decision on my experience, and will go with the three speeds in case it turns out that I do need them.
So, the 2610 costs a bit more. And I've decided to forego the backhoe so I can afford it. But that's another discussion...

 

[i7win7]

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/425295-what-value-3-range-hst-5.html
simulator discussion in Kubota forum

 

[Everhard]

Well I've 10 acres and my neighbour has 10 acres, part of our properties has a big hill. While there are advantages and disadvantages of both tractors I can say the lack of a middle speed is not something that really bothers me much at all. Frankly for most things I think my tractor is a better size for the small property. (And mine over 3 times the size of your property??) Plus my tractor is the CK20s vs the newer version CK2510 which having seen that recently I think is great, much improved engine/hydraulic pump. Seeing my neighbours ck2610 and even using it on occasion I find it a bit big for most of the jobs. And it's heavier so that's ultimately harder on the lawn (although not terrible) Also going thru the forest it's big, branches become a clearance issue etc.
To me if I'm going to point out any real downfall between the 2 it's the lack of at least 2 rear remotes on the CK2510. Only 1 is an option. I ended up adding my own custom 3 port remote so now I've a total of 4. Much more useful.
Now if you've other uses outside that property then that's a different story - you might have need of a bigger tractor. Me if my tractor disappeared tomorrow and I had to replace it I'd get the CK2510 having seen and used the CK2610.
If I had a small farm then I'd want something a bit bigger then the CK2510.

Lastly I forgot to mention the CK2510 for it's size is typically 100's of lb's heavier then any of the equivalent other brands - this makes it much more useful for doing things like moving dirt. It's one tough built tractor. If you're comparing to other brands I'd look at the weight difference and hydraulic motor as both of those impact how it will work in the real world.

My 2 cents!
E.